Houston Defender: May 21, 2020

COVID-19 AND KIDS

Educators oer parents recommendations and resources to help children through the summer.

NEWS

FEATURE

SHEILA JACKSON LEE

2020 SENIORS

High school and college seniors let the light shine on you in the Senior Spotlight.

Congresswoman says there is still PPP money available and is working on next stimulus.

Volume 89, Issue 30 May 21, 2020

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DN On the web

FIT & FINE Shannon LaNier Age: 40 Occupation: News anchor, podcast host, author Education: Kent State University Major: BS, Electronic Media Production; MS, Media Management Motto: “Live every day as if it were your last, because tomorrow is not promised to you.”

CHECK OUT… My coronavirus fitness journey after a quarantine (Q9) weight gain.

IG: @ mrshannonlanier Twitter: @MrShannonLanier Read more on Friday about Shannon at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine email: fitnfine@defendernetwork.com

Message from the Publisher thing is certain: we can’t do it alone. We need help from our The power of friendship As many of you know, the Defender put out a call for help federal, state, county and city governments. We need our elected when - like so many other small businesses - the COVID-19 officials to step up for their constituents. We need thriving pandemic shuttered our business. I was facing the difficult task businesses that we’ve supported to support us. We need schools, of laying off and furloughing employees as advertisers pulled out agencies, non-profits, organizations and churches to do what they can to fill in the gap. and accounts receivables stalled and savings ran dry.

We also need each other more than ever. Our lives and our But God! I put out a call for friends of the Defender to support a COVID Campaign and boy, did you guys step up. Thanks to livelihoods depend on it. your generosity, we were able to raise $50,000 to stay afloat. And then, Texans owner Janice McNair floored me In this week’s Defender… Staying in shape We continue to get a lot of positive feedback even more - by announcing that she about our “Fit & Fine” feature on this page and would match that donation! on our website. We’d like to give a shout-out I’ve always considered her a to our Engagement Manager Margo Williams friend. Now, I consider her a Hubbard (a fitness enthusiast herself) for her lifesaver. A thousand thank yous, stellar work week after week and for the men and Janice. And then, to top things off, women who share their work-outs and words of the Defender received a Facebook grant wisdom with us. for another $100,000.

Can I say it again? God is good all the time.

COVID and our kids Whether you gave $10 or $10,000, please know Sonny Messiah Jiles Speaking of children, People Editor Aswad that I am forever grateful to you for sowing a seed Walker’s article on “The summer of COVID: into the Defender. My staff and I will continue to Preparing for school in the fall” is must-reading for every parent. work tirelessly to make you proud!

Now for those of you who think we are rolling in dough, think Three education experts tell how to best use the summer months again. Donated or grant dollars and even the PPP monies are to prepare students for a school year like none other. It’s more restrictive in how you can spend it. These dollars will be used to important than ever that African-American students get a head keep the pipeline of information our community so desperately start and stay ahead. needs open through digital, social media and print. In addition, we are developing programs to better serve Blacks in the Houston Enjoy the holiday Though many of us have been on an unintentional extended area. Not knowing how long this economic downturn will last, it is imperative we have a plan for the long road ahead to continue vacation, we still have reason to celebrate Memorial Day. The serving our community for 90 more years and we thank you for holiday pays tribute to the brave men and women who died for their country while serving in the military. Since we’re living in your investment. the new normal, we’ve included an article on how to celebrate safely. Our readers also tell how they will be spending the holiday Lives vs. livelihood As the coronavirus continues to take its toll on America, we’re in their own words. faced with an ongoing dilemma: How do we safeguard our health without jeopardizing our financial well-being? How do we stay Stay strong These are trying times for most of us and there doesn’t seem to safe and put food on the table? How do we social distance and be an end in sight. But this too shall pass so stay strong, be safe pay our mortgage or rent?

There are no easy answers to such difficult questions but one and keep the faith! Love ya!

May 21, 2020 |

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DN News BOB WATSON

REV. BILL LAWSON

Former Astros All-Star player and the first Black general manager to win a World Series (with N.Y. Yankees) died May 14 at age 74.

Rice University honors esteemed minister by renaming part of the campus “The Reverent William A. Lawson Grove.”

TEXAS CONTINUES SWIFT REOPENING Defender News Service Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has re-opened practically every facet of daily life in Texas, including bars and child daycare centers, lifting most full lockdown orders as the state continues one of the nation’s swiftest reboots from coronavirus restrictions.

Abbott’s sweeping new orders, which he described as a second phase in Texas’ reopening, allows zoos and bowling alleys to resume business and lets restaurants and retailers expand the number of customers by the end of the week.

They also set up the return of some professional sports, summer camps and summer school by June.Abbott said social distancing measures must still be in place, such as limits on customers and no fans at sports events. Theme parks, however, remain closed.The move pushes one of the world’s largest economies toward getting back to business as usual, even while the state has seen record numbers of daily new coronavirus cases and deaths. But Abbott has emphasized hospitalization rates that remain flat and infection rates that have dropped, even after Texas began lifting stay-at-home orders on May 1.

“We’ve seen no evidence, no signs, that raise

UNDER ABBOTT’S ORDER: Restaurants - 50% capacity Bars - 25% Bowling alleys - 25%

June: Youth sports and other camps, professional sports, including auto racing, golf, softball and tennis leagues can apply with the state to host events without spectators. Schools and universities (with social distancing guidelines for in-person instruction).

Two months after 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was shot to death in her home by Louisville cops, the city’s police department has announced a change in their no-knock warrant policy, requiring approval for warrants from the chief of police and forcing officers to wear body cameras when serving them.

Taylor, who was helping fight the coronavirus pandemic by working as an EMT at two local hospitals’ emergency rooms, was killed when three plainclothes officers entered her home late at night with a no-knock warrant, looking for illegal drugs.

Believing the cops to be intruders, Taylor’s boyfriend shot at them and, when the officers returned fire, Taylor was hit eight times.

Neither Taylor nor her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, has any criminal history related to drugs or violence, and no drugs were found in their home. Walker,

Westbury High School graduating seniors learned during a video call with Michelle Obama that they are one of only 20 campuses in the nation and the only one in Texas to be named winners in a voter registration challenge co-chaired

any concerns about a possibility of retrenchment in Texas,” Abbott said.Abbott said he can further push Texas open because the state has boosted daily testing and has seen a drop in the percentage of new cases.

That infection rate was as high as 13 percent in mid-April and has dropped under 5 percent in recent days, according to state health officials.

Abbott also said the state has good hospital capacity and personal protective equipment to handle any dramatic increase in cases.

Louisville police changes policies after killing EMT Breonna Taylor Defender News Services

WESTBURY HS AMONG WINNERS IN MICHELLE OBAMA, MTV VOTING CHALLENGE

who shot an officer in the leg, has been charged with first-degree assault and attempted murder of a police officer.

Taylor’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the officers, who have since been placed on administrative reassignment amid an internal investigation.

Breonna Taylor

by the former first lady. The competition was held by MTV and the national nonpartisan group When We All Vote (WWAV), which was launched in 2018 by Obama.

MAY 26 The State of Texas is allowed to resume evictions.

Harris County Commissioners have approved $30 mil for rent relief for residents.

Get the details in next week’s edition.

VOLUME 89 - ISSUE 30 - MAY 21, 2020 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Associate Editor Marilyn Marshall

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

People Editor Aswad Walker

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288

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DN News

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M

MAGIC JOHNSON

University schedules virtual fall orientation Visit www.pvamu.edu/orientation

Basketball star to give $100 mil to small and minority businesses

HBCUs help students amid virus

Feds expected to tweak PPP

Defender News Service

Defender News Service

It is a perilous time for the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities, which have long struggled with less funding and smaller endowments than their predominantly white peers and are now dealing with the financial challenges of the coronavirus. HBCUs have the added challenge of educating a large population of low-income and first-generation students who now need more help than ever.

Brian Bridges of the UNCF said that even HBCUs facing serious financial trouble can survive the coronavirus. “They’ve persisted for 150-plus years of underfunding and Jim Crow segregation,” he said. “They know how to make a way out of no way.”

“HBCUs are hard to die,” said Forrest Harris is president of American Baptist College, a small liberal arts school in Nashville best known for educating U.S. Congressman John Lewis. “They have a resilient

Morehouse College senior Lanarion “LTL” Norwood Jr., of Atlanta, works on his computer in a hotel room in Atlanta.

spirit and a tradition of educating African Americans in communities that are going to fight hard for them.”

Congress has approved over $1 billion in emergency relief to minority-serving institutions, and a portion of that is earmarked specifically for needy students. Administrators say the aid will help but won’t make them whole.

Associated Press contributed to this report.

“COVID-19 is obviously a disaster of Government officials are preparing to make unspeakable proportions. And the front line significant changes to the Paycheck Protecof America’s economy are our small busition Program, amid cooling demand nesses,” stated Congresswoman Sheila for government-backed loans and Jackson Lee. “I heard their voices from criticism from business owners who my own district, that they were clossay they can’t tap the funds. ing, so we knew in order for the nation The changes are likely to include to survive, small businesses had to surSheila giving businesses more flexibility vive. That’s why we fought so hard to Jackson Lee to spend the money, according to ensure that the PPP program could lawmakers and others following the deliber- be strong. We found that we needed to make ations. Under the original terms, 75% of the sure it was accessible to all levels of businesses. funds were required to be spent on employee That’s why we have made the PPP stronger salaries for the loans to be forgiven. by specifically alloting 25% for non-profits, The government also is expected to allowing medium businesses to apply and putextend the time to spend the loan money ting 25% of the assets into smaller financial beyond the two months it originally set. institutions, including minority banks.”

Both changes follow complaints from restauThe steps being considered will mean a rants, hair salons and others who say they shift in the program’s focus—from one that can’t hire back staff while they are closed was primarily aimed at keeping employees during the coronavirus pandemic and need on the payroll, to also helping to keep small more money to cover their overhead costs. businesses from failing.

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL THE SUMMER OF COVID

PREPARING FOR SCHOOL IN THE FALL Aswad Walker

With summer fast approaching, parents face the unenviable prospect of most, if not all, summer camps and vacation plans being modified. That said, many want to know how best to use the summer months to prepare their children for the new 2020-21 school year, even with its start date and format still up in the air. The Defender spoke with experts who could weigh in with fresh ideas.

RECOMMENDATIONS Longtime education professional Toni Imani Fisher suggests focusing on the basics.

“Read, read, read,” said Fisher, founder of Sisterhood Creations, Inc. “It is critical for students not to lose any growth in the area of literacy. Too many African American students already lag behind their peers academically. Students should be encouraged to read and write about what they read.”

Fisher said summer is a great time to visit the library [once public libraries open] and start a family book club and encourages older students to read the classics. “It’s a great opportunity for parents to pick some of their high school favorites.”

Fisher added that letter-writing is a great way for students to increase writing skills, and practicing basic math skills via flashcards, Internet math games or weekly tests, especially for pre-K through 8th graders, is a must.

Educational consultant Alieshia Baisy-Dyer encourages parents to stay in constant communication with their child’s school leadership teams to ensure they are up to speed on decisions regarding virtual learning. She also suggests identifying now Alieshia summer and fall programs Baisy-Dyer that address the student’s academic and social emotional needs.

She’s also a big advocate for direct communication with children.

“Engage students in conversations about the changes and include them in creating a schedule that meets their needs. Operate with love and grace during the unprecedented times,” said Baisy-Dyer.

Educational leader Tori Moore Cofield, executive director of Hope for Families, suggested finding out what your child’s school district recommends students do during the summer. She also pushes parents to familiarize themselves with the STAAR test expectations for 3rd through 12th-graders.

“The released tests are available online and there is a ton of resources out there to help students prepare,” she said.

For Cofield, however, the most important thing is keeping your child on a schedule rather than allowing them to get up and go to bed “at whatever time,” and not letting TV and social media become their accepted pastimes.

RESOURCES Cofield does recommend parents use the internet to find an abundance of resources that can be utilized, including teacher communication and summer programs.

“All parents have one-on-one access to their child’s teacher now. They should be asking this question [about useful resources] to them.”

Cofield added, “Summer programs that are academic in nature or have academics in their daily schedule are one of Tori Moore the best options. There is a cost, Cofield but the return is well worth it.”

Baisy-Dyer said look to local libraries and universities offering free online classes that support virtual learning. She also agrees with Cofield in going directly to the source.

“Today’s virtual student should begin with the resources provided by their classroom teachers. Many of these resources will be familiar to the parent and student. Review the goal areas to determine where your student will need more hand-on support from you and where you can allow them to be more independent.”

Baisy-Dyer personally recommended ABCMouse and PBS for early learners, and Study Island and ixl for older students.

Fisher suggested bookmarking several websites: your child’s school district’s, the specific school and the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA’s).

“Although the TEA has waived the STAAR Assessment…parents are encouraged to download the assessment their student would have taken this school year, grade the test, and determine a plan for the summer to address some of the student’s deficits,” Fisher said.

CHALLENGES Baisy-Dyer and Fisher identified several challenges facing parents and children in the coming months, bleeding into the new school year. They include the lack of access to online classes and resources, lack of direct teacher-led instruction, lack of group interaction and peer learning and more.

“It is important to the academic development of all students. Students will lack the ability to socially interact, problem-solve, and develop needed communication skills. Moreover, there is nothing more important than direct instruction, and teachers having the ability to teach, re-teach and assess the students learning for mastery,” stated Fisher.

Cofield, however, believes unaddressed trauma

will be the elephant in the classroom.

“It is my opinion that social distancing will become the new normal for all of us. With that said, how do districts enforce this new normal in ways that promote strong school cultures? The children will be afraid and many of them will use this fear or others’ fear of the virus as a means to avoid the ‘work’ or distract those who are trying to adjust.”

Cofield fears many students will cease seeing school as important after experiencing pandemic-induced trauma.

“Teachers too are struggling due to the virus and with expectations on them being even higher and harder next year, my concern is that we will have a huge breakdown in teacher preparedness and stamina.”

OPPORTUNITIES Fisher views the summer months as an opportunity for parents to check on the emotional well-being of their children.

“Ask them to express how they are feeling, and what they are fearing… Some children may be fearful of returning to school, while others are counting down to the first day of school.”

Cofield sees opportunities for some, and a call-toaction challenge for others.

“For those whose parents are involved and conscious of how important it is to keep their children engaged in learning, next year could actually be exciting, with them feeling successful once they return. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most.”

Cofield said parents returning to work and leaving children unsupervised may leave children losing what they have learned.

“Overall, especially in inner-city schools, we have not had great success in getting parents’ full supportin our efforts to close the achievement gap. If they don’t step up and step in now, the future is going to be bleak unless districts address these problems now, while they have time,” Cofield said.

Even under the best of circumstances, many children return to school with academic deficits. Fishers said this will certainly be the case for many “COVID kids.”

“It will take time for our ‘COVID kids’ to catch up; that’s what we know for sure.”

Advice for college-bound high school grads

The transition from high school senior to college freshman is difficult enough without having to factor in a global pandemic.

But this is the hand the Class of 2020 has been dealt.

Brian Armstrong, Texas Southern University’s executive director of outreach services, said it’s important for college-bound high school graduates to Brian Armstrong understand that what they may have been expecting to experience for their transition to college will be different due to the pandemic. He suggested the following: • Expect change: Plans made today for the upcoming fall semester (i.e. new student orientation, how students will attend class, etc.) are based on what colleges/universities know at this time.

As updates are received, plans may adjust.

• Make alternate plans: Colleges and universities are working on several plans to best meet the needs of students.

These plans may ultimately affect the students’ decision on which institution to attend.

• Buy a laptop: It is certain that how classes are taught in the near future and how students will learn will be impacted by the pandemic, which may last for quite some time. Smart phones and tablets alone may not be the best way to optimize learning in a virtual or hybrid classroom environment.

• Identify online resources: Students who begin to learn and utilize their institution’s online classroom system (i.e.

BlackBoard) will be successful during their transition to college. Also, most colleges and universities are hosting virtual webinars to assist admitted and prospective students and their parents learn about summer and fall plans. Seniors unable to take the ACT or SAT prior to March can visit www.act.org or www.collegeboard.org to learn about new dates.

• Create a checklist: List important deadlines and dates for various college planning activities (registering for classes, submitting vaccination records, applying for campus housing, etc.).

Getty Images

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DN Feature

Obama criticizes virus response in online graduation speech

Defender spotlights graduating seniors

Defender News Service

Defender News Service

Former President Barack Obama recently criticized U.S. leaders overseeing the nation’s response to the coronavirus, telling college graduates in an online commencement address that the pandemic shows many officials “aren’t even pretending to be in charge.”

Obama spoke on “Show Me Your Walk, HBCU Edition,” a two-hour event for students graduating from historically Black colleges and universities broadcast on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter on May 16. His remarks were unexpectedly political, given the venue, and touched on current events beyond the virus and its social and economic impacts.

“More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing,” Obama said.

Former President Barack Obama

“A lot them aren’t even pretending to be in charge.”

Later, during a second televised commencement address for high school seniors, Obama panned “so-called grown-ups, including some with fancy titles and important jobs” who do “what feels good, what’s convenient, what’s easy.” Obama did not name President Donald Trump or any other

federal or state officials in either of his appearances. But earlier this month, he harshly criticized Trump’s handling of the pandemic as an “absolute chaotic disaster” in a call with 3,000 members of his administrations obtained by Yahoo News.

Obama’s message to high school students came at the end of an hourlong television special featuring celebrities, including LeBron James, Yara Shahidi and Ben Platt, and was less sharp-edged than his speech to the college graduates. He urged the young graduates to be unafraid despite the current challenges facing the nation and to strive to be part of a diverse community.

“Leave behind all the old ways of thinking that divide us — sexism, racial prejudice, status, greed — and set the world on a different path,” Obama said.

The impact of the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented, and has had a lasting effect on the Class of 2020 graduating seniors, many of whom are experiencing loss, disappointment and disbelief.

The Defender will give soon-to-be high school and college graduates a chance to shine with our Senior Spotlight. Designed to highlight graduates, their future plans and inspirational words, the project is co-sponsored by Texas A&M University.

“We know it’s been tough for many grads this year,” said Defender Publisher Sonceria Messiah Jiles. “With our Senior Spotlight, we will honor them online and through social media.”

Visit www.defendernetwork.com to download the form and celebrate your graduate.

2020

Senior Spotlight Calling all SENIORS...

High school & College

We want to recognize YOU and Celebrate the Class of 2020.

You deserve the recognition.

SIGN UP TODAY

bit.ly/defenderseniorspotlight2020 Sponsored by Texas A&M University and Prairie View A&M University

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If I could do one thing, I’d have a daycare closer to work.

If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services.

Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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DN Feature

STAY SAFE ON MEMORIAL DAY

Defender News Service

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, a time to honor men and women who died in active military service. It’s also the unofficial start of summer. This year, however, the holiday will take on a different look due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Regardless of how you celebrate, the overall recommendations remain the same: Cover your mouth and nose with a face cover when around others; wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and keep at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others.

Here are other tips on staying safe: AT HOME

• Consider a front yard cookout for you and members of your household. You can still connect with neighbors and enjoy a day of grilling while observing social distancing guidelines.

• “Share” your Memorial Day meal on social media. Even if you don’t have a grill or backyard, post a photo or video of your food on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or all three.

• Schedule a virtual friends or family cookout. You can all enjoy each other’s company while video chatting or on the phone.

• Think twice before visiting someone else’s home or inviting guests other than your immediate family you have been quarantined with. Remember that some people without symptoms

may be able to spread the virus and the CDC continues to discourage group gatherings of 10 or more.

• In general, do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, straws or eating utensils with others. Non-disposable food service items used should be handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.

AT THE PARK OR BEACH

• Keep your time away from home as short as possible and only visit parks or beaches that are close to you. According to the CDC, most extended

HOW PANDEMIC IMPACTS PLANS Aswad Walker The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of life, and figures to also alter how we celebrate holidays. With Memorial Day right around the corner, people are already making plans that reflect this new reality. Here’s what some are saying about the holiday.

“Celebrating all those brothers and sisters past and present who have perished in our fight against racism and discrimination. Prayers for our many victims of COVID-19.”

— Loretta Hubbard Green “Same as every year. Poolside with immediate family including my sibling and his family. We have been together weekly since COVID-19 and decided the only way to make it is together.”

— Demethra Orion “It’s a first but the Dunn family will be celebrating the 67th family reunion virtually. There will be a program, singers,

dancers etc., and each family will be in their home. We’ll dress for banquet, church and wear family T-shirt on day of park ‘attendance.’ All while never leaving your home. Can’t wait. Sounds exciting.” — Shirley Garnett “[Spending] Memorial Day weekend with my immediate family and grands celebrating my youngest son’s graduation from college! With a seafood boil!” — Ingrid Traylor Williams “Home with family, hopefully COVIDfree, grateful for our health and each other, knowing that one day this will be over and we can share physical space with extended family and friends.”

— Adrianne Walker “Calling, texting and sending long-distance prayers and hugs.”

— Juanita Braceful “Memorial Day will be spent at a park with my brother’s family or at home.”

— Moses J. Spencer

travel requires you to be in close contact with others who may potentially have the virus or increases the chanc-

es of touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

• Check the rules before you go. Some park or beach facilities have regulations or closures due to the virus.

• Take sanitizer or disinfectant wipes with you.

• Do not use bare hands to touch facility doorknobs, stall locks, toilet handles or faucets. Use a wipe, paper towel or tissue to touch surfaces and then throw it away.

• Do not use playgrounds. The virus can spread when children touch contaminated equipment and then touch their hands to their eyes, nose or mouth.

• Do not participate in organized activities or sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer or football. They typically require participants who are not from the same household or living unit to be in close proximity, which increases the potential for exposure to COVID-19.

For more info visit www.houstontx. gov/parks/ or www.galveston.com.

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DN Sports The final two episodes of Michael Jordan and the Bulls’ “The Last Dance” aired and now the question is, could the Bulls have extended their championship run and won seven titles? Jordan seemed to think so and is on record saying he wanted the opportunity to see.

Ed Oliver, the Buffalo Bills defensive end and former University of Houston great, was arrested on May 16 for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and allegedly unlawfully carrying a weapon.

Sports Briefs NFL expands Rooney Rule The NFL owners voted to expand the Rooney Rule to now requires teams to interview at least one minority from outside of the organization for not just head coaching vacancies but also for all offensive, defensive and special teams coordinator openings. The owners were considering a measure that would have compensated teams with better draft positioning for hiring minorities as head coaches and general managers, but that was never put to a vote.

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, left , looks for a receiver as he is pressured by Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. -AP Photo/John Raoux

TEXAN JONATHAN GREENARD

IN PURSUIT OF GREATNESS Terrance Harris

Rookie Jonathan Greenard of the Texans was a third round pick. His redshirt transfer strategy paid off.

Texans rookie outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard has never been able to shake the feeling he can do better.

That’s what drove him to graduate in four years at Louisville and take advantage of the NCAA transfer rules for student-athletes who graduate with eligibility. Greenard moved on to the University of Florida in the SEC where he played his final season. That drive, and his performance, led to being selected by the Texans in the third round (90th overall) in last month’s NFL draft.

“I’m always going to work hard, I always feel like I have something to prove in being the underdog. Having that mindset and that chip on my shoulder all the time …” said Greenard, who finished with 19 career sacks between the two schools. “I’m going to

try to do the same thing when I come to Houston and hopefully I can have that same impact coming in.”

Stepping up in caliber of competition last season, the 6-foot-3, 263-pound edge rusher finished with 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss for the Gators to earn First-Team All-SEC status. His play also elevated his draft status.

Not only did Greenard continue to build stats on the football field, but he also achieved some major accomplishments away from football. After receiving his undergraduate degree in sports administration from Louisville, Greenard enrolled at Florida as a graduate student and is now just hours shy of receiving an MBA. So his gains last year were two-fold.

“I’m actually only 18 credit hours away from getting my MBA, so that’s

number one,” Greenard said of his gains in transferring schools. “But other than that, just learning – playing at a faster pace, playing in the best conference, the SEC ball.”

The Texans view Greenard as a versatile pass rusher, who will be able to get after the passer as a linebacker or as more of a defensive end. His ability to be versatile is what convinced the Texans to pull the trigger with the 26th pick in the third round.

“Jon Greenard was a guy that you could see doing a bunch of things for us,” said new defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. “And I think position flexibility, particularly in the defense we’re trying to institute, adds a tremendous amount of value.”

Follow Terrance Harris on Twitter @terranceharris.

PVAMU cancels summer camps Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, PVAMU athletic director Alicia Pete announced that all summer camps have been cancelled this year. Both football and volleyball normally hold camps on campus during the summers.

City extends deal to MLB academy The Houston Parks and Recreation Department has extended the operating agreement with Major League Baseball Youth Foundation and the Astros Foundation for the MLB Youth Academy at Sylvester Turner Park, and home to the new Bob Watson Education Building. The agreement extends to June 2039 and ensures youth participation and grassroots involvement in the games of baseball and softball, along with teaching life skills for young people in Houston.

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Free tools and resources to help small businesses stay Texas Strong

Small businesses today are facing unique challenges.

To help them adapt, Google is offering free resources, from online workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions to local business listings, so small businesses across Texas— and America—can overcome obstacles that may lie ahead.

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Find free resources for your small business at google.com/grow

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